Don’t give up!

It’s the end of January. I’ve heard it a few times that if you’re in the market for fitness equipment now is the time to buy! New Year’s resolutions are no longer being kept, and the stationary bike is quickly gathering dust. People are looking to get rid of things that are making them feel guilty.

It’s hard to change your lifestyle, especially when you try to do it on your own strength and on your own. Yet each year many people try to do just that. They convince themselves that this year will be different, that this year they’ll finally make it. But they don’t – – we don’t. We miss a day and say we’ll make it up later in the week. Sickness comes and messes with our schedule, and then we struggle to get back on track. And then, after all our good intentions, the gym membership goes to waste, or the juicer sits idle on our counter.

Here’s some good news for you: you’re not alone! In fact, this is something that has been happening over and over again, ever since we left the Garden. We set goals and then miss the mark. We tell ourselves, “Never again!” but then all too soon hear our own voice say, “Just one won’t hurt. . . .” This is a regular occurrence, and something that is common to everyone. So where’s the good news? God knows us. He knows what we’re made of, what we’re capable of, what we’ve done and will do. And even though He knows all about us, He still loves us! Now this doesn’t give us a licence to sin all the more (just read Paul’s explanation in Romans 6-8), but it should give you hope. Even though you fail, and will fail in the future, God hasn’t given up on you. His love for you is perfect, and His grace covers over all our sins.

So don’t give up. Confess your shortcomings and sins to God. Dust off the bike and hop back on! Phone a friend and go for a walk. Have a smoothie for breakfast, and give thanks to God whose mercies are new every morning!

This Sunday we’re going to be looking at Hosea 6-8 (3 chapters!). It’ll help if you read through the passage beforehand. Our gathering starts at 4pm, and this week we will restart our prayer time before the service from 3-3:30pm. Hope you’re able to join with us.

Blessings, Pastor Mike